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      Thirteen Chelsea stars who have just 11 games to save their futures including Mount, Mendy and Pulisic

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      MASON MOUNT and Raheem Sterling head a 13-strong list of Chelsea players facing an uncertain summer.Club co-owner Todd Boehly is backing under-pressure manager Graham Potter for a squad overhaul.
      Even England stars Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount can’t feel secure at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      It could be hair today, gone tomorrow for Conor Gallagher and Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty
      And with many contracts running down, plus other senior stars struggling to impress, it could mean one of the Premier League’s biggest ever clear-outs.
      Cesar Azpilicueta, Marc Cucurella and Conor Gallagher are among those battling for their future with just 11 games left this season.
      Thiago Silva, 38, has agreed to stay an extra 12 months until 2024 and 31-year-old N’Gole Kante is tipped to agree a new two-year deal.
      But that still leaves THIRTEEN 13 stars – and all with TWO problems.
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      Above all, of course, they must persuade Potter they are worth keeping after he splashed £300MILLION on eight players in January, including £107m on Enzo Fernandez and £89m to beat Arsenal to Mykhailo Mudryk.
      But also they have to convince Boehly they are committed for the long term as he reportedly wants new contracts to ideally be for at least three years.
      The Stamford Bridge mini-squad under threatHere are the players whose situation in the summer looks most unclear as they fight to impress manager Graham Potter.
      Edouard MendyTrevoh ChalobahCesar AzpilicuetaMarc CucurellaRuben Loftus-CheekMason MountDenis ZakariaConor GallagherPierre-Emerick AubameyangChristian PulisicRaheem SterlingArmando BrojaHakim Ziyech

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      Here we run through a list of big names, under-achievers, and home-grown fringe men at the centre of some major decisions come June.
      Edouard Mendy
      The Senegal keeper is said to have turned down a six-year deal after losing his hard-earned No1 spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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      That means the Blues are almost certain to consider offers for the 31-year-old.
      Trevoh Chalobah
      The defender, 23, only signed a new six-year contract last November.
      But he’s no nearer being a regular starter, so both parties might decide it’s time he moved on.
      Cesar Azpilicueta
      The injury-hit Chelsea skipper, 33, will find it tough to show he’s worth retaining, especially with a growing number of options available at full-back.
      Marc Cucurella
      The £60million summer recruit from Brighton has burst back into the side – and form – in recent weeks.
      But the left-wing back 24, might not be a long-term answer, especially if Ben Chilwell continues to cement the defensive role behind him.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek
      AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Lazio have been linked with the England midfielder.
      RLC, 27, has again been more out than in the Blues’ team, making a summer departure a decent bet.
      Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are among the players with little time left to impress if they hope to stay next seasonCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount
      The thought of the England playmaker leaving Stamford Bridge would have seemed incredible at the start of the season.
      But after six years at Chelsea, it’s believed even the 36-cap ace, 24, is sensing he might be on the move.
      Liverpool, Manchester United an even champions City have been mentioned.
      Denis Zakaria
      The Switzerland anchorman on loan from Juventus will surely not be extending his Stamford Bridge stay.
      Zakaria, 26, is way down the list of Potter’s midfield options.
      Conor Gallagher
      The £40m-rated Academy product must wonder if he would have more than four England caps had he been elsewhere.
      The Newcastle and Everton target, 23, can only wait so long for a regular place.
      Nonetheless, his outcome is tough to predict as Chelsea have appeared keen to negotiate a new contract.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      The ex-Arsenal striker is surely one of the likeliest to depart, mainly because he faces a bit-part role if he stays.
      The 33-year-old is reportedly interested in returning to Barcelona, even on reduced wages.
      Chelsea’s Gabon strike legend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be racing off in the summer, perhaps for pastures old and NouCredit: Getty
      Christian Pulisic
      The USA winger, 24, was linked with a loan move to Old Trafford last summer.
      And more injuries plus fewer starting opportunities since then make him one of the more probable summer movers.
      Raheem Sterling
      The £47.5m arrival from Manchester City last June has produced spluttering form, not helped by injuries.
      But despite suggestions Arsenal are keen, it’s claimed the 28-year-old wants to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.
      Armando Broja
      An ACL injury ruined what was shaping up to be the 21-year-old’s breakthrough season.
      AC Milan are amongst the Albania hero’s biggest admirers.
      But Chelsea could still be intent on keeping him as Boehly wants Potter’s squad to contain a core of younger players.
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      Hakim Ziyech
      The Moroccan stylist is said to be on Roma’s radar and it’s also claimed he “offered himself” to Barcelona in January.
      The former Ajax star was 30 in March and would have even less chance of being a key starter if he remained with the Blues next season. More

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      Chelsea braced to lose key member of staff after Thomas Tuchel is appointed Bayern Munich manager

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      CHELSEA are facing a battle to keep highly-rated assistant coach Anthony Barry at the club, according to reports.Barry, 36, joined the Blues as a coach in the summer of 2020 after being hired by former manager, and club legend, Frank Lampard.
      Former Chelsea boss Tuchel has been confirmed as the new Bayern Munich bossCredit: PA
      He reportedly wants Barry to join him in GermanyCredit: Getty
      He stayed at Stamford Bridge to work with Thomas Tuchel when the German was appointed in January 2021 and the pair developed a close working relationship.
      Barry decided to remain at the club when Tuchel was dismissed by Todd Boehly last year.
      However, the pair could reunite in the near future.
      Tuchel was confirmed as the new manager of Bayern Munich on Friday following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann.
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      He has already started assembling his coaching team, with former Chelsea aides Zsolt Low and Arno Michels already confirmed to be joining him.
      The 49-year-old has also revealed that he is trying to tempt Barry to the Allianz Arena.
      During his first press conference as Bayern boss, Tuchel said: “My coaching staff wasn’t prepared either, so a big thank you to their families for their flexibility.
      “Arno Michels and Zsolt Löw, who have been working with me for over ten years, will be there.
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      “We’re hoping to add Anthony Barry, who is currently at Chelsea.”
      It is currently unknown whether the former Wrexham star would want to accept a new role in Germany or not.
      Alongside his role at Chelsea, Barry also works part-time with the Portugal national team.
      He linked up with Roberto Martinez and the Belgium squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup before following the Spaniard to Portugal following his appointment. More

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      Qatari Sheikh Jassim submits improved bid to buy Man Utd as Glazers hold out for £6bn takeover

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      QATAR’S SHEIKH JASSIM submitted a second bid for Manchester United overnight.His representatives confirmed that another offer has been tabled, according to the BBC.
      Sheikh Jassim has submitted a second bid for Manchester United
      The Glazers value United at £6billionCredit: Getty
      It’s claimed Sheikh Jassim’s group are “confident” with the offer they have proposed.
      They also believe the offer is the best one for United and the local community.
      Sky Sports report the bid to be worth around £5billion.
      Current owners the Glazers value Manchester United at £6billion.
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      Meanwhile, Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, handed in his revised world record £5bn bid 24 hours ahead of Friday’s 4pm deadline.
      Sheikh Jassim on the other hand was playing a game of “dare” with Manchester United’s sale agents as he effectively declared his own bid timetable.
      But the offer did reportedly arrive overnight on Friday.
      The Glazers have enlisted the services of US banking group Raine to oversee the sale process.
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      Elsewhere, SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday that Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus insists a trio of owners is the best way forward for the club.
      He has tabled a bid himself but would prefer to link up with Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe in a three way push for the Red Devils.
      US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer for a minority stake in the club. More

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      Arsenal on verge of allowing £340million worth of signings leave for NOTHING during Arteta era

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      NICOLAS PEPE could be the next big name to leave Arsenal for nothing.The Gunners are ready to ditch the £72million record signing and even fear having to pay in order for him to go.
      Arsenal are ready to let Nicolas Pepe leave the club in the summerCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta has seen a number of players leave the club for nothing since taking overCredit: Alamy
      If Pepe does leave Arsenal this summer, the Gunners will have lost £340million worth of signings without making back a penny in the time since Mikel Arteta took over.
      While things on the pitch are looking rosy with Arsenal top of the Premier League, off the pitch Arteta has not been afraid to flush out big names on big contracts.
      Since he took over in 2019, ten players have left the club for nothing.
      And here they are…
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      Mesut Ozil
      Signed for £42.5million in 2013, Mesut Ozil spent seven-and-a-half years at the Emirates.
      His contract was terminated six months early in 2021, but the playmaker still helped the Gunners to four FA Cups in his 254 appearances for the club.
      German World Cup winner Ozil retired from professional football earlier this month.
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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      After being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in December 2021, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for nothing just weeks later.
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      Like Ozil, he also had his contract ripped up early and agreed to leave the club by mutual consent, initially joining Barcelona before moving on to Chelsea last summer.
      Alexandre Lacazette
      French striker Alexandre Lacazette followed Aubameyang out of the door five months later.
      After joining the club in 2017 for £47million, he was allowed to leave for nothing when his contract expired last summer.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both left Arsenal for nothing within six months of each otherCredit: Getty
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined the Gunners in part of the swap deal that saw Alexis Sanchez head to Manchester United.
      He was shipped off to Roma on loan 18 months later, and joined the Italians permanently the following campaign when his Arsenal contract was cancelled by mutual consent in September 2020.
      Shkodran Mustafi
      German defender Shkodran Mustafi had his contract cancelled by mutual consent in February 2021.
      He initially joined the club for £35m in 2016, winning the FA Cup twice and making 151 appearances for the club.
      Sokratis Papastathopoulos
      Yet another to have his contract cancelled early by mutual consent, Sokratis Papastathopoulos left Arsenal in January 2021.
      Now at Greek side Olympiacos, the 34-year-old made 69 appearances for the Gunners in two-and-a-half years at the club.
      Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi both had their Arsenal contracts cancelled by mutual consentCredit: AP
      Sead Kolasinac
      Left-back Sead Kolasinac had his contract ripped up and left by mutual consent in January 2022, allowing him to join French club Marseille.
      The 29-year-old played 118 times for the Gunners after joining from German side Schalke in June 2017.
      Hector Bellerin
      Long-time Arsenal servant Hector Bellerin spent ten years at the Emirates before leaving in Septemer 2022.
      He had his contract terminated by mutual consent and joined Barcelona after spending the season before on loan at Real Betis, and is currently on loan at Sporting from Barca.
      Hector Bellerin left Arsenal on a permanent deal in September 2022 after having his contract terminatedCredit: Getty
      Calum Chambers
      Versatile defender Calum Chambers joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2014.
      He spent seven-and-a-half years at the club before completing a free transfer to Aston Villa in January 2022
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      David Luiz
      After leaving Chelsea for a second time, Brazilian defender David Luiz spent two seasons at Arsenal from 2019-2021.
      He left the Emirates for nothing when his contract expired at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, winning an FA Cup in his 73 appearances for the club. More

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      Mesut Ozil cried on his way to Arsenal as star admits he only left Real Madrid because of dad’s bust-up with Perez

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      MESUT OZIL has revealed that he was forced out of Real Madrid after conflict arose between club president Florentino Perez and his father.The former Germany international, 34, announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week.
      Ozil cried after leaving Real Madrid for ArsenalCredit: PA
      He enjoyed a trophy-laden career after bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006.
      And his impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup earned him a £13million move from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid.
      Ozil won several trophies with Los Blancos, including one La Liga title, a Copa Del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.
      But the midfielder recently admitted that he was forced out of the Santiago Bernabeu after his agent, and father, fell out with Real Madrid president Perez.
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      He told Spanish outlet Marca: “I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport.
      “I had a great time for three years at Real Madrid and in this city. I was really happy.
      “But things happened. Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr. Florentino Pérez and my father and agent.
      “We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me.
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      “The moment the plane took off and took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realised it was over.”
      He added: “At that time it seemed good to me, because after the conflict between my father and Mr. Pérez I was worried that I would not have playing minutes again if I did not leave.
      “So it’s hard to say. But of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently.”
      After leaving Real Madrid, Ozil joined Arsenal in a £42.5million transfer on deadline day in summer 2013.
      He lifted four FA Cups with the Gunners and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders.
      But after falling out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium, he joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January 2021 – six months before his contract was due to expire.
      He failed to hit the same heights that he did during his time in the Premier League.
      And his contract was terminated 18 months later as a result.
      Last summer he signed for Istanbul Basaksehir on another free transfer, but he cut ties with the club earlier this week before publicly announcing his retirement. More

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      Morgan Gibbs-White reveals he is the godfather to Phil Foden’s kids – now he wants to emulate mate and play for England

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      MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE revealed he is the godfather to Phil Foden’s children – and now he wants to emulate his great mate by becoming a senior England international.Nottingham Forest star Gibbs-White first met Foden aged 16 and the pair won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017.
      Morgan Gibbs-White has had an impressive season at Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      Gibbs-White first met Foden in 2016. They won the Under-17 World Cup togetherCredit: Getty
      They would often room together and are still extremely close today, to the point where the Manchester City man asked Gibbs-White to be a godparent to his son and daughter.
      Foden, 22, has racked up 22 caps for England, the latest of which came in Thursday’s 2-1 Euro qualifying win over Italy.
      Gibbs-White, 23, was this week named England Under-21 captain but is yet to receive a senior call-up – though Gareth Southgate says he is keeping close tabs on the midfielder.
      The Forest ace said: “It’s an honour I’ve even been mentioned and it shows I’m improving on the right path. I have to strive for more.
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      “I’m still in touch with Phil, still really close. I’m godparent to his kids.  It just shows that anything is possible. I was in that Under-17 World Cup team so if those guys can do it, so can I.”
      Jadon Sancho, Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Emile Smith Rowe were the other whizkids from that World Cup-winning Under-17 squad to go on to play for the senior team.
      Foden is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch though and a character with whom Gibbs-White clicked instantly.
      MGW explained: “We just had a good connection. I met him at 16, we just got on. 
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      “We roomed together quite a bit. He’s always been a nice kid, Phil.
      “He’s an unbelievable player. He’d play Fortnite until one or two o’clock in the morning every night! Every night. 
      “I’d tell him that if he scored the next day then he could stay on it for another couple of hours!”
      Foden’s missus Rebecca Cooke is also very close to Gibbs-White’s girlfriend, Britney De Villiers.
      The christening is still yet to take place though because of the hectic football schedule.
      Steve Cooper was the manager in charge of that amazing England Under-17 side that triumphed in India.
      And it was the Welshman, now at helm at Forest, who signed Gibbs-White for a whopping £42.5million from Wolves in the summer.
      Back then, the fee was all anyone would talk about when discussing Gibbs-White.
      But it is testament to his fine season, in which he has scored three goals and grabbed six assists in the Premier League, that his hefty price tag is less of a debating point now. 
      Yet the playmaker never felt any pressure at all by how much Forest shelled out on him – and certainly nothing compared to the heat on the team as they battle for survival.
      He said: “It wasn’t me who paid the price! I enjoyed it. It meant more eyes were on me. 
      “I could show myself more. It wasn’t a pressure thing. 
      “The focus was on the price tag and I had to prove people wrong in a sense. You thrive off that situation. You want to prove people wrong and impress.
      “(The battle to stay up) – that is pressure. There are so many good teams down there.”
      Forest are winless in their last six league games, losing four of them, and are just two points above the relegation zone.
      But there is no doubt in Gibbs-White mind that the Tricky Trees will retain the top-flight status they took 23 years to earn by avoiding the drop.
      He said: “One hundred per cent I’m confident we’ll stay up. We’ve proven that in games. We drew 1-1 with Man City. We need to be more consistent.”
      On Saturday though, Gibbs-White turns his attention to captaining his country for the first time ever.
      Despite representing England at nearly every level from Under-16s, the Stafford lad has never actually worn the armband for his nation.
      But that will change on Saturday afternoon when he leads the England Under-21s out for their friendly against France at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
      He commented: “It was a surprise to be given it. It’ll be the first time I’ve captained an England side. 
      “It’s an honour to receive a call-up and when Lee Carsley told me that I was captain it was a really special feeling. It shows I’ve been doing well at club level and he sees me as a leader in the group. I think I’m the oldest one here so that is why!”
      Southgate’s recent comments suggest it will not be long until Gibbs-White does make that senior step.
      It would be a reward, just as captaining his country will be, for putting everything he’s got into his career and holding nothing back.
      That mentality is reflected by the words he had tattoed on his right hand last summer which read: “Why save the food stuff for later?”
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      Gibbs-White added: “It is just, ‘why say no? Why not do the good stuff now and regret it later?’ I never wanted to regret anything in the future.”
      Good advice to pass onto his godchildren, no doubt – and to help keep Forest up. More

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      Tottenham consider shock move to replace Antonio Conte with Julian Nagelsmann as sacked Bayern boss is ‘open to talks’

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      TOTTENHAM are considering a dramatic move for outgoing Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.And the 35-year-old is open to talks with Spurs, according to Sky Sports.
      Julian Nagelsmann is being considered by Tottenham after being sacked by Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Spurs are set to axe Antonio ConteCredit: Reuters
      Spurs are set to sack their current chief Antonio Conte and have been mulling over possible successors.
      Nagelsmann, 35, has come into contention after his shock axing by Bayern, who appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.
      Ex-Chelsea gaffer Tuchel himself had been among the list of candidates to replace Conte at Spurs.
      But SunSport revealed earlier this month the German had doubts about taking the post in North London.
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      Now the 49-year-old is out of the running after agreeing to join Bayern on a contract until 2025.
      Nagelsmann has been liked by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for some time and was a target in 2021 before he left RB Leipzig for Bayern.
      And the feeling appears mutual, with The Telegraph reporting that Nagelsmann previously developed an affinity for the club and even owned a Spurs shirt.
      However, it is unclear whether the wunderkind manager would want a break from the game following his ruthless sacking in Bavaria.
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      That may mean Spurs could have to wait until the summer to appoint him and put first-team coach Ryan Mason in caretaker charge until the end of the season.
      Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique – both currently out of work – are also being considered, along with Fulham chief Marco Silva and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
      Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga last season and leaves Bayern a point off the top of the table this term, having guided the German giants through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Meanwhile, Conte was still in Italy on Friday having left for his homeland on Sunday.
      That came less than 24 hours after his explosive press conference following a 3-3 draw at Southampton, where he slammed his “selfish” players for throwing away a 3-1 lead.
      The fiery Italian usually stays home to see his family for an extended period during international breaks.
      But now there is no definitive date set for his return to Hotspur Way, if he is to come back at all.
      The former Chelsea chief is not expected to still be at the club come Tottenham’s next game at Everton on April 3. More

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      I broke Glenn Hoddle’s ribs when I gave him CPR, says Spurs fan who saved his life after cardiac attack

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      THE man who saved Glenn Hoddle after his heart stopped has re­vealed he broke seven of the footie pundit’s ribs giving him CPR.Spurs fan Simon Daniels was reunited with Glenn on telly yesterday.
      Ex-Tottenham and England ace Glenn Hoddle was reunited with heart surgeon Stephen Edmondson and fan Simon Daniels, who both saved his lifeCredit: Rex
      The former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder was visibly emotional when Simon joined him and heart surgeon Stephen Edmondson as they were being interviewed on Good Morning Britain.
      Sound engineer Simon’s last-minute appearance came as he was working on ITV’s Lorraine in the studio next door.
      Glenn, 65, said: “You can imagine how emotional I feel with these two guys sat here.”
      Simon said: “I broke seven of Glenn’s ribs so I’ve got that on my CV.”
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      Presenter Kate Garraway joked “So you’re not a Spurs fan?” and he replied: “No, I am a Spurs fan.”
      Glenn had a cardiac arrest on his 61st birthday in 2018 while working as a pundit for BT Sport.
      Simon’s first aid kept him alive long enough to be rushed to hospital for open-heart surgery.
      A bypass op was then carried out by Mr Edmonson at St Barts, London.
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      Simon said: “I could tell that Glenn was seriously unwell.
      “Just being able to do CPR, and do it quickly, you give someone that chance of making it.”
      Glenn said: “I’m only here because of Steve and Simon. These guys saved my life.” More